‘Our experience of using CAMHS services’
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Healthwatch Derbyshire undertook a review of experiences of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in North Derbyshire between January and March 2015. Through 29 interviews with young people, parents, carers and professionals, Healthwatch explored experiences of referrals, diagnosis, appointments, support and the overall quality of CAMHS services. Referrals included concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, ADHD and attachment disorders.
The strongest concerns related to referral and diagnosis processes. Participants reported significant variations in waiting times, with some receiving prompt appointments while others experienced lengthy delays, repeated referrals or difficulties accessing the service. Delays in assessment and diagnosis, particularly for autism spectrum conditions, were a recurring theme, with some families describing years of uncertainty before receiving appropriate support. Problems relating to referrals for foster children and support during waiting periods were also highlighted.
Once families accessed CAMHS, feedback was generally much more positive. Many participants praised staff for their professionalism, communication skills and supportive approach. Families valued therapy sessions, advice, autism awareness training and efforts to provide appointments at convenient locations and times. Several people reported improvements in their children's wellbeing and felt clinicians listened and worked effectively with them.
Overall, Healthwatch Derbyshire concluded that the quality of support within CAMHS was often highly regarded, but that access to services remained a significant challenge. Recommendations focused on improving referral pathways, reducing delays in assessment and diagnosis, providing clearer information and support while waiting for appointments, reviewing support available to carers, improving arrangements for children in foster care, and ensuring families receive better signposting and practical support throughout their CAMHS journey.